Garment fastener

ABSTRACT

A bendably pliant fastener may be removably associated with a minor portion of a garment to be fastened. The fastener has an elongated, bendable body. The body has a first end along a longitudinal axis and an opposite second end. A first portion of the body engages a self-engaging minor portion of the garment when the faster is in a first position, and the garment is self-engaged in a desired configuration when the fastener is in a second position. The body may also have a self-engaging second portion wherein the fastener body is positionable between a disengaged position wherein the garment is unfastened, a self-engaged position wherein the garment is in a desired configuration, and the fastener is removable from the garment.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fastener for use with a garment. The invention also relates to a garment incorporating such a fastener.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Garments are known in the art to incorporate various fasteners. Typically, the user adorns the garment to be fastened and then purposively positions the garment into a desired shape by twisting together the ends of the fastener. The garment retains this shape until the garment is repositioned or removed by the user.

These fasteners are composed of a single piece of pliable metallic or non metallic material that extends the entire length of the garment to be fastened. Often, metallic materials such as stainless steel or copper wire are used to construct the fastener body. Non-metallic materials such as thermoplastics are also used to construct the fastener bodies. The bodies may be shaped or formed by extrusion or other known methods.

These fasteners are permanently secured along the periphery of the garment and are typically located along the inner periphery of the garment.

The inability to separate the fasteners from the garments creates problems during the laundering process in which chemicals present in cleaning solutions adversely affect the fastener composition resulting in the staining or discoloration of the garments as well as a decrease in the fatigue strength of the fasteners.

This is particularly true during the dry cleaning process in which the fasteners are exposed to harsh chemicals and dry cleaning solvents.

Moreover, these prior art fasteners loose their ability to maintain a desired configuration after repeated bending due to their single wire or single coil rib construction.

There is, therefore, a need for a garment fastener of an increased durability which is quickly and easily removed from the garment prior to laundering.

The present invention may provide one or more of the foregoing advantages or other advantages which will become apparent to persons skilled in the art after review of the present application.

SUMMARY

The fastener of the present invention has a body that is made from a bendably pliant material that is also sufficiently rigid, with a suitable memory, to remain in the configuration into which it is shaped.

In one aspect, the invention is a fastener having an elongated, bendable body. The body has a first end along a longitudinal axis and an opposite second end. The body has a first portion to engage a self-engaging minor portion of a garment when the fastener is in a first position, and the garment is self-engaged to maintain the garment in a desired configuration when the fastener is in a second position.

In another aspect of the invention, the fastener body has a first portion and a self-engaging second portion. The body is positionable between a disengaged position wherein a garment is unfastened, a self-engaged position wherein the first portion and the second portion of the body are self-engaged to maintain the garment in a desired configuration, and the fastener is removable from the garment.

In many instances the fastener is removably associated with a minor portion of a garment to be fastened. In some instances the fastener is removably secured to a self-engaging minor portion of the garment to be fastened. In other instances the fastener is distinct from the garment to be fastened.

In another aspect, the invention is a garment comprising an elongated, bendably pliant fastener and the fastener is removably secured to a self-engaging minor portion of the garment.

In yet another aspect, the invention is an elongated, bendably pliant fastener for use with a garment to be fastened. The fastener is removably associated with a minor portion of the garment to be fastened. In some instances the fastener is removably secured in a pocket or a sleeve distinct from the garment to be fastened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention, shown around the neck of a user in an unfastened positioned;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion 2 of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown in the fastened positioned;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, along line 4-4 of the garment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention, shown around the neck of a user in the fastened position; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, along line 6 of the garment shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a front elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention. A tie (1) is located around the neck (4) of a user (3) in an unfastened position. The fastener (5) is removably secured in a pocket-like sleeve (7) located on a self-engaging minor portion (9) of the tie (1).

In the preferred embodiment, the fastener is provided with a metallic core. In many instances the core of the fastener body is coated. The coating may be a thermoplastic material. The coating may be textured to improve engagement between the fastener and a garment. The coating material may be selected to enhance the appearance, performance, durability and strength of the coated fastener relative to an uncoated fastener. The coating material may also prevent the fastener from snagging or pulling the fabric of certain types of garments to be fastened with the fastener of this invention. The coating material may also protect the user's hands from any sharp edges that may be present on the core of the unfinished, uncoated fastener. An example of one type of a suitable coating material for use with the current invention is Plasti Dip™ brand flexible, synthetic rubber coating.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged fragmentary view of the minor portion (9) of the unfastened tie (1) with a coated fastener (5) removably associated with the sleeve (7). In this embodiment, the fastener (5) has a ladder-like core configuration with two parallel, longitudinally extending rails (11), (13) connected by a plurality of cross-members, for example, ribs (15) along the entire length of the fastener body in perpendicular relationship with the rails (11), (13). First end (17) of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into the deep end of sleeve (7). Second end (18) of fastener (5) is positioned adjacent the terminus of minor portion (9) of tie (1).

There are a sufficient number of rails and projections for the fastener to withstand repeated bending and shaping. Persons skilled in the art will also understand that the fastener may be manufactured from a variety of materials having their own unique qualities and characteristics. The materials of manufacture may be selected to provide the fastener with the most desirable characteristics, including appearance, performance and endurance related properties.

The fastener, including the fastener core (in those instances where a fastener core is provided), may be manufactured in various configurations and sizes. The core of the fastener is not necessarily shaped as a mesh or a ladder-like configuration. In some instances, the core (or the fastener itself) may be stamped, formed or otherwise shaped from a single elongated, flat strip of material. The elongated strip may be embossed or textured to provide a number of projections to grip the inner surface of the sleeve. In some other instances, the fastener will not be made as a flat strip, but may take other configurations suitable for fastening particular types of garments.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have more than two rails. For example, the fastener may have three parallel, longitudinally extending rails, wherein the rails are interconnected by a plurality of cross-members such as ribs in perpendicular relationship with the rails. The cross-members define projections extending upwardly from a planar surface defined by the parallel rails. In other instances it may be desirable to have a fastener that is composed of a single longitudinally extending rail with at least one cross-member affixed transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated body of the fastener.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastener will typically be manufactured as an elongated straight length of ladder-like wire mesh that will be suitable to be cut into a plurality of fasteners. That is, a plurality of fasteners will be cut from a relatively long work piece. The pre-cut fastener lengths may be individually coated to seal any openings or imperfections defined by the core.

In many instances the same material may be used to make the rails and the cross-members. In many instances the parallel rails will have identical shapes and dimensions. Similarly, the cross-members attached to the rails of the fastener may be manufactured to be of substantially the same dimensions and shape, for uniformity along the length of the fastener. Typically, the rails and cross-members will be made from corrosion and stain resistant materials such as suitable metallic alloys. In other instances, the rails and projections may be made from other suitable materials including thermoplastic materials.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of the tie (1) situated around the neck (4) of a user (3) in a fastened position (19). In FIG. 2, the fastener (5) is removably secured inside sleeve (7). The sleeve (7) may be open at both ends. In some instances, it may be desirable to have an open ended sleeve to allow easier access to the interior of the sleeve for occasional cleaning and removal of lint and other debris. Preferably, the fastener fits snugly within the sleeve to ensure a secure connection between the fastener and the minor portion (9) of the garment.

It is preferable that the sleeve (7) is secured to the exterior of the tie by use of fabric glue, stitching, fasteners, or by other suitable means.

In use, the tie (1), having the fastener (5) removably secured in the sleeve (7), is placed around the neck (4) of the user (3) so that approximately equal lengths hang from opposite sides of the user's neck. The self-engaging minor portion (9) of the tie (1) is loosely wrapped under the major portion (10), over the major portion (10), and under the major portion (10) of the tie (1) and the coated fastener (5) is then shaped over the major portion (10), into an arc, and the second end (18) of the fastener (5) is pinched securely to fasten the minor end (9) to the tie (1). In this manner, the tie (1) is securably positioned into the desired configuration by the user (3).

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the fastened tie (19) in which the fastener (5) is removably secured inside the sleeve (7). A first portion (21) of the fastener body having ribs (15) and rails (11), (13) engages the self-engaging minor portion (9) to maintain the tie (19) in a desired configuration. In this example, the fastener is spirally wound about itself, and the tie, to secure the tie in a desired position for wear by the user. In this example, portion (23) of the fastener engages portion (21) of the fastener so that the minor portion (9) of the tie is self-engaged.

FIG. 5 shows a front elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention. The scarf (25) is located around the neck (4) of a user (3) in a fastened position. The fastener (5) is removably secured in a sleeve piece (27) that is distinct from the scarf (25), so that the fastener (5) and sleeve piece (27) are removably associated with the scarf (25).

In many instances the sleeve (27) is made from a fabric that compliments, contrasts or coordinates with the fabric of the scarf to be fastened.

In use, the scarf (25) is folded in half so that the central portion of the length of the scarf is positioned at the back of the user's (3) neck (4). The free flowing ends (28),

-   -   (29) of the scarf may hang symmetrically down the front of the         user (3). The user wraps the fastener (5), which is preferably         enveloped within a suitable fabric sleeve, around the free         flowing ends (29), (31) of the scarf (25). In this manner, the         scarf is securably positioned into a desired configuration by         the user (3). In other instances, the fastener may be provided         with suitable ornamentation, texture and finish so that the         fastener may be used without an outer sleeve, so that a portion         of the fastener will be visible when it is used to secure         visible portions of the garment.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the fastened scarf (25) shown in FIG. 5 in which the fastener (5) is removably associated with the scarf (25). A first portion (21) of the fastener body having ribs (15) and rails (11), (13) and a second portion (23) having ribs (15) and rails (11), (13) are self-engaged to maintain the scarf (25) in a desired configuration. In this example, the fastener is self-engaged by spirally winding the fastener about the scarf, and about a portion of the fastener itself.

A wide variety of fabrics may be used in association with the present fastener, or to make garments of the present invention. In may instances, it will be desirable to provide a sleeve with certain characteristics such as, strength, durability and texture to provide a snug channel to secure the fastener to the sleeve, and in turn, secure the fastener to the garment. The sleeve may be made from materials or fabrics which are different from the materials used to manufacture the garment. Where the sleeve is made from fabric, it may be knitted or woven.

While the garment has generally been referred to as a tie and a scarf, one skilled in the art to which the current invention pertains will understand that the current invention is also directed to many other kinds of garments including wearing apparel and accessories, including belts, straps, hair bands or any other garment to be securably positioned into a desired configuration by a user.

The foregoing are specific examples of certain aspects of the present invention. Many other embodiments, including modifications and variations thereof, are also possible and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the invention as described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications, variations and equivalents may be resorted to, and such modifications, variations and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as described herein and within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A garment fastener comprising: an elongated, bendable body having a first end along a longitudinal axis of the body and a second end opposite the first end; the body comprising a first portion to engage a self-engaging minor portion of a garment when the body is in a first position; and the garment is self-engaged to maintain the garment in a desired configuration when the body is in a second position.
 2. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the fastener is removably connected to the garment.
 3. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the body further comprises at least one projection along the longitudinal axis to removably engage the garment.
 4. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the body further comprises a plurality of projections along the longitudinal axis to removably engage the garment.
 5. The fastener of claim 3 wherein each projection defines a rib extending across the longitudinal axis.
 6. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the body further comprises an outer coating.
 7. The fastener of claim 6 wherein the coating is non-metallic.
 8. The fastener of claim 6 wherein the body comprises a metallic core surrounded by the coating.
 9. The fastener of claim 8 wherein the metallic core defines an elongated mesh.
 10. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 11. The fastener of claim 2 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 12. The fastener of claim 3 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 13. The fastener of claim 4 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 14. The fastener of claim 5 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 15. The fastener of claim 6 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 16. The fastener of claim 7 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 17. The fastener of claim 8 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 18. The fastener of claim 9 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 19. A garment comprising a fastener, the fastener comprising: an elongated, bendable body having a first end along a longitudinal axis of the body and a second end opposite the first end; the body comprising a first portion to engage a self-engaging minor portion of the garment when the body is in a first position; and the garment is self-engaged to maintain the garment in a desired configuration when the body is in a second position.
 20. The garment of claim 19 wherein the fastener is removably connected to the garment.
 21. A fastener comprising: an elongated, bendably pliant body having a first end along a longitudinal axis of the body and a second end opposite the first end; the body comprising a first portion and a self-engaging second portion; and the body being positionable between a disengaged position wherein a garment is unfastened, a self-engaged position wherein the first portion and the second portion of the body are self-engaged to maintain the garment in a desired configuration, and the body being removable from the garment.
 22. The fastener of claim 21 wherein the body further comprises at least one projection along the longitudinal axis.
 23. The fastener of claim 22 wherein the body further comprises a plurality of projections along the longitudinal axis.
 24. The fastener of claim 22 wherein each projection defines a rib extending across the longitudinal axis.
 25. The fastener of claim 21 wherein the body further comprises an outer coating.
 26. The fastener of claim 25 wherein the coating is non-metallic.
 27. The fastener of claim 26 wherein the body comprises a metallic core surrounded by the coating.
 28. The fastener of claim 27 wherein the metallic core defines an elongated mesh.
 29. The fastener of claim 21 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 30. The fastener of claim 22 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 31. The fastener of claim 23 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 32. The fastener of claim 24 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 33. The fastener of claim 25 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 34. The fastener of claim 26 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 35. The fastener of claim 27 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 36. The fastener of claim 28 wherein the first end of the fastener is shaped for directional insertion into a pocket or a sleeve and the pocket or the sleeve is dimensioned for secure engagement with the fastener.
 37. A garment comprising a fastener, the fastener comprising: an elongated, bendably pliant body having a first end along a longitudinal axis of the body and a second end opposite the first end; the body comprising a first portion and a self-engaging second portion; and the body being positionable between a disengaged position wherein the garment is unfastened, a self-engaged position wherein the first portion and the second portion of the body are self-engaged to maintain the garment in a desired configuration, and the body being removable from the garment. 